James Brown Reacts To Jason Collins Coming Out

Jason Collins played with the Celtics and Wizards this season, his 12th in the NBA.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- In an article released by Sports Illustrated Monday, NBA center Jason Collins announced he was gay.

"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black, and I'm gay," said Collins.

The 12-year veteran played this past season for both the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. WUSA9 Sports Anchor Dave Owens sat down with CBS Sports' James Brown to get his perspective on the importance of Collins' admission.

"It's the first time ever that someone in any of the four major team sports has come forth and anytime you're talking about someone being a first, it is significant in that regard," said Brown.

I asked Brown how difficult he thinks the locker room environment will be for Collins and others who come out in the future.

"That remains to be seen," says Brown. "In terms of those who may feel uncomfortable because of his admission, if they look back on how he handled himself during his 11 or 12 years in the league, there is nothing to quibble with."

"I still think in the world of pro-football it's going to be more difficult because of the locker room setting there."